Dismissal of temporary drivers likely to hit KSRTC services

Thiruvananthapuram: The dismissal of temporary drivers (empanelled employees) by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is likely to affect bus services from Monday.

The order dismissing 2107 temporary drivers was issued on Saturday. As Sunday was a holiday, the situation did not affect passengers. Moreover, KSRTC officials were able to rearrange bus service according to rush of passengers.

However, shortage of KSRTC drivers will create problems from Monday. Around 600 services are expected to be cancelled from Monday.

Considering the situation, KSRTC has asked drivers on leave to report for duty. But, the problem can only be solved by expediting appointment of new drivers.

According to the order of a division bench of the High Court, temporary drivers continuing to work after completing 180 days of service should have been dismissed before April 30.

Though KSRTC approached the Supreme Court against the HC order, the apex court ruled in favour of dismissing the empanelled employees. The SC also ordered to dismiss the temporary driers before June 30. Hence the government order.

The KSRTC had dismissed 1479 temporary drivers from Thiruvananthapuram sector, 257 from central sector and 371 from northern sector on Saturday.